Oppn protests against govt ‘interference’ in AMU affairs

Opposition parties, led by Congress and SP, on Friday created a storm in the Rajya Sabha over alleged government interference in the autonomy of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), forcing adjournment of the House till noon.

Opposition members trooped into the Well, raising slogans against alleged threat to the minority status of the university and government interference. Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asked the members to return to their seats and give a notice, if they wanted a discussion on the issue but as none relented. He adjourned the House till noon.

SP’s Javed Ali Khan, through a Zero Hour mention, raised the issue of HRD Minister Smriti Irani declaring offsite centres of the University illegal and threatening to stop financial aid. He said AMU VC has in a statement said that HRD Minister was declaring AMU centres illegal and threatening to stop assistance.